About Us

EXPERTS AT SPORTS AND ATHLETICS SINCE 1955.

We are Florida’s first and oldest sports commission. Our history dates back to 1955 when we led efforts to manage local and national golf tournament events right here in Pensacola.

Since then, our reach has grown to encompass more than golf. Today, we reach over 25,000people across a variety of sport events, activities and initiatives, including baseball, basketball, football, running, soccer, tennis and more.

Pensacola Sports is a private 501(c)4 not-for-profit agency primarily funded from revenues generated from membership and events. Our focus has and always will be on education, inspiration and participation in various team, individual, amateur and professional sports activities. Learn more about what Pensacola Sports offers or meet our leadership team.

Our Impact

We are dedicated to inspiring our community to perform and connect with sports and each other. By fostering and encouraging participation in amateur and professional sports and personal physical fitness, we are creating a community that promotes sportsmanship, camaraderie and community. We do this through Event Management & Marketing, Sports Tourism Promotion, and giving back through the Pensacola Sports Foundation.

Mission: We are passionate about enhancing the quality of life, health, wellbeing and economic development of the Pensacola and surrounding regions through sports and recreation.

Vision: Pensacola Sports is a recognized leader—and champion—for professional and amateur participant sports, athletics and sports tourism in the Pensacola and the Northwest Florida region.

We have established our reputation as an organization that delivers access to unrivaled athletic events promoting individual health and economic wellbeing for our community: thus, enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Event Management

We are experts at athletic event management and promotion.

We leverage the geographic beauty, natural assets and historic charm of our region to showcase the unique characteristics that make our community great. Because of this, our events are unrivaled in their scenic quality, and promote individual health and economic well-being for our community, and thus, enhancing the quality of life for all.

Our staff of professionals is experienced in all phases of event management, including marketing, budgeting, event operations, hospitality and public relations.

Some of our most successful events include the Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15K and 5K, and the Pensacola Marathon & Half Marathon, Subway High School All-Star Series, the Annual Awards Banquet, as well as several others.

Have an idea for an event, or need support? Taking existing events and elevating them to the next level of success is one of our specialties! See if you quality for one of our grants to help take your event to the next level.

Sports Tourism Promotion

Growing the health and vitality of Pensacola’s economy.

We are advocates for growing the health and vitality of Pensacola’s citizens and economy through education, inspiration and participation in a diverse range of amateur and professional, individual and team sports-related activities and events. These efforts contribute to the quality of life in our community.

As the sports tourism agency of Escambia County, we work with local, regional, state and national sporting event promoters, teams and organizations to generate economic revenue for our community, and attract national and international athletes to our area.

Sports tourism plays an integral role in attracting visitor athletes and supporters to our area. Through the Escambia County Tourist Development Council, Pensacola Sports administers grant monies to local groups and organizations that coordinate events with a demonstrated history of visitor impact or significant potential to draw overnight visitors to the area.

We invite sports tourists to stay and play, by working with a network of partner sport venues, accommodations, attractions and dining establishments to offer visitors a wide array of options during their stay.

Foundation

Foundation

The Pensacola Sports Foundation’s mission focuses on the development, education, promotion and recognition of youth sports, amateur sports, scholar athletes, and athletic excellence in the Greater Pensacola Area. Since 1984, the Foundation has provided over $500,000 in grants to over 40 area programs and originations, including:

Red Cross Learn to Swim Program [provide links where possible]

Special Olympics

Senior Scholar Athlete Scholarships

Pensacola Junior Tennis Association

Great Pensacola Aquatics Club

The First Tee of Northwest Florida

Racquet Roundup

High School All-Star Series

University of West Florida

Pensacola State College

A large part of the Foundation is giving. Grants are awarded annually, and those interested in applying can visit the grants page. Interested in giving to the Foundation, contact us for ways you can give.

Hall of Fame Criteria

Inductees to the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame are selected annually by a selection committee. Members of the Hall of Fame are an elite group who have had continued excellence in sports or who have made outstanding contributions to Pensacola area sports. New Hall of Fame members are inducted and announced each year at the Cox Pensacola Sports Annual Awards Banquet amid great fanfare. If you know someone who you believe should be inducted into the Hall of Fame please send their name and contact information as well as their career achievements to Mel Bruce at mbruce@pensacolasports.org

Candidates should be selected for outstanding contributions to Pensacola area sports in the following categories:

Improvements to the Pensacola Sports organization and program

Superior achievement in athletics

Meritorious service to a particular event, but not necessarily limited to one

Other noteworthy accomplishments in the field of sports worthy of this distinction

Sportsman of the Year

Sportsman of the Year is presented at the Cox Pensacola Sports Annual Awards Banquet for contributing to the advancement of sports in the greater Pensacola Area, or achievement of an outstanding athletic accomplishment. Sportsman of the Year is the most prestigious award handed out annually by Pensacola Sports.

2016

Dave Scott

2015

Ray Palmer

2014

Derrick Brooks

2013

Richard LaBounty

2012

Bubba Watson

2011

Mike Jeffcoat

2010

Larry & Linda Thompson

2009

Judy Bense

2008

Chad Gilliland

2007

Hiram cook

2006

Richard Berg

2005

David Mayo

2004

Tim Kerr

2003

Sandy Sansing

2002

Quint & Rishy Studer

2001

Shirley Cronley

2000

Edwin Roberts

1999

Dick Appleyard

1998

Matt Langley Bell

1997

Strick Mayes

1996

Jim Metteson

1995

Mike Bass

1994

Gordy Glenz

1993

Jack Kugelman

1992

Dr. Leo Flynn

1991

William “Red” Vickrey

1990

Jack Tuthill

1989

Mayor Vine Whibbs

1988

Don Priest

1987

John Carr

1986

Roger MacDonald

1985

Larry Scott

1984

Jerry Stephens

1983

Frank Brown, Sr.

1982

Magruder Tuttle

1981

Jerry Pate

1980

Henry LeLong

1979

Pratt Martin

1978

Richard Merrit, Sr.

1977

George Wagenheim

1976

Robert G. Carr

1975

Capt. JH McCurtain, USN

1974

Thomas M. Lalor

1973

Roger G. Martin

1972

Fred Newcome

1971

Wilmer H. Mitchell

1970

Allen Miller

1969

Dr. Nathan Arenson

1968

George E. White, Jr.

1967

Porter F. Bedell

1966

Don Sutton

1965

Sam A. Love, Jr.

1964

Harold Stokes

1963

Jack Fiveash

1962

Sherman Barnes

1961

Joe Oldmixon

1960

Jon Macbeth

1959

Bodie McCrory

Joe Marques

1958

Dr. William W. Miller

1957

“Lefty” Lybrand

1956

Jack Colter

Bill Soule

1955

EH “Dude” McCrory

1954

John Paul Jones

Be Moved.

We’re changing the way Pensacola moves. Learn more about Pensacola Sports and how we’re impacting the community.